Azeotropic and azeotrope-like compositions of a hydrofluorocarbon and a hydrocarbon

Abstract

This invention relates to compositions that include at least one hydrocarbon and at least one fluorinated species. Such compositions may be used as refrigerants, cleaning agents, expansion agents for foams such as polyolefins and polyurethanes, aerosol propellants, heat transfer media, gaseous dielectrics, fire extinguishing agents, power cycle working fluids, polymerization media, particulate removal fluids, carrier fluids, buffing abrasive agents, displacement drying agents, among others.

The following is claimed: 
     
       1. An azeotrope or azeotrope-like composition consisting essentially of at least about 97 wt % of 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a) and less than about 3 wt % of 2-methylbutane that exists at a temperature of about 18.7° C. and a pressure of about 79.5 psia. 
     
     
       2. An azeotrope or azeotrope-like composition consisting essentially of at least about 94 wt % of 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134) and less than about 6 wt % of n-pentane that exists at a temperature of about 18.7° C. and a pressure of about 63 psia. 
     
     
       3. An azeotrope or azeotrope-like composition consisting essentially of at least about 93 wt % of 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134) and less than about 7 wt % of 2-methylbutane that exists at a temperature of about 18.7° C. and a pressure of about 63 psia. 
     
     
       4. The composition of claim 1, 2, or 3 wherein said composition is non-flammable. 
     
     
       5. The composition of claim 1, 2, 3 or 4 wherein said composition further consists essentially of at least one additive selected from lubricants, oils, corrosion inhibitors, stabilizers, dyes, and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
       6. A method of refrigeration comprising condensing and evaporating the composition of claim 1, 2, 3 or 4.